Harry Styles: One Direction Has Had “Some Of The Best” Shows Since Zayn Malik Left

Truth rating: 10

By Shari Weiss | 11:17 am, July 3, 2015

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Zayn Malik’s exit from One Direction hasn’t slowed the group down, according to Harry Styles.

In a new interview published online Friday, just one day after fans marked the 100-day point since Malik quit, Styles reveals how the band is compensating for his pal’s absence. As Gossip Cop has reported, Malik quit in March, and One Direction went on to play a slew of shows in Europe. And they all went well, thankyouverymuch.

“There have been incredible shows across Europe. Some of the best we’ve had!” Styles tells Entertainment Weekly. Asked about production changes due to going from five members to four, the British heartthrob notes, “The only changes have been that the parts Zayn sang have been picked up by different people. Other than that, the shows have been going absolutely great.”

Indeed, fans can still look forward to hearing some signature Malik songs, with Styles even giving Liam Payne credit for nailing the high notes on “Story Of My Life.” “It would be pretty devastating if we took that song out,” admits Styles. “Liam stepped up to do the high notes. He kicks them in the bollocks every show. He doesn’t hold back.”

Styles, Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan are slated to kick off the North American leg of the “On The Road Again Tour” in San Diego next week, and Styles says they’re “super excited.” One reason why? Directioners, of course! “The fans have shown, as they have a million times, that they’re incredible and so supportive,” Styles tells the magazine.

And Mailk or no Malik, everyone can look forward to One Direction’s next album, which Styles reveals is “coming together quickly.” “It carries a slightly new identity, but I think it’s an obvious change from [most recent album Four] in a positive way,” he explains. “We’ve branched out and worked with different writers, and we’ve got some great songs!” Styles further says the new stuff has them all “buzzing.” Tell us in the comments below if you’re buzzing, too!